NTSB Factual Report

While performing a landing at night, the pilot of a Piper PA 38-112 saw a deer about 30 feet ahead of the airplane in the center of the runway. He added power, steered to the left, and struck a second deer that was out of his view with the left main landing gear. The left main landing gear then separated, the left wing contacted the ground, and the airplane came to rest off the left side of the runway after striking several runway lights. The pilot stated that there were no deficiencies with the performance and handling of the airplane.

NTSB Probable Cause

The presence of deer on the runway during the landing roll, which resulted in a collision. A factor in the accident was the dark night.